Como's Meteoric Rise: From Serie D to Champions League in Under a Decade

When Manchester United arrives in Como, Italy, they will face a club whose journey from the semi-professional depths of Serie D to the Champions League is one of modern football's most remarkable ascents. For Como, the match represents the pinnacle of their history, a stark contrast to their status just over a decade ago.

In 2008, the year Manchester United last won the Champions League, Como was competing in Serie D, one of Italy's regional leagues with crowds typically numbering in the hundreds. The club's revival began in earnest after being acquired in 2019 by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, who initially envisioned a media project involving young Indonesian players. However, the club's unexpected promotion and subsequent rise altered these plans dramatically.

Under the management of former Barcelona and Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, Como has experienced a meteoric transformation. Fabregas, who transitioned into coaching within the club after retiring as a player, guided them to a fourth-place finish in Serie A during the 2025-26 season, securing their spot in the Champions League. This rapid ascent from Serie B to Europe's elite club competition in just five seasons has captured global attention, with even Lionel Messi's son Ciro pictured in a Como replica kit.

"Compared to when I finished my career here, it is completely different," Fabregas stated. "It is not even night and day. It is another world. Playing Manchester United is a historic day once again for the club, the city of Como and fanbase."

The club's unique setting, adjacent to the picturesque Lake Como, offers a distinct matchday experience. Fans can opt for lake tours or lakeside hospitality before games. The city of Como, with a population of just over 83,000, is now witnessing its football club compete on the world stage. The club's infrastructure has also evolved, with a new club shop selling branded merchandise, a testament to their increased professional standing.

Despite their rapid rise, questions linger about the club's financial compliance with UEFA regulations. Chief executive Mirwan Surwaso, however, expressed confidence, stating, "The scrutiny is on us but we always have our books in order, so we are not too worried." Another potential challenge is the stadium's significant amount of uncovered seating, which could prove problematic in adverse weather.

Fabregas emphasizes the need for his team to remain focused on future challenges rather than dwelling on past achievements. "We were at minus 10 when we started, but we don't want to spend time thinking about what has passed," he said. "If you want to do that, retire and go write a book about what Como did. We must look at what is in front of us."

Long-time supporters, who remember the club's struggles in Serie D, express a deep connection that transcends current success. Marco Melillo, a fan who began following the team due to its colors and the allure of the stadium's location, noted, "We know the club is in the best situation ever in its history but when I see the faces of the guys and ladies that were also here in Serie D, we just see in our eyes and say, 'OK, we hope that this story will go on as long as possible.'"

Federico Borghi, a local fan, described the feeling of playing against a club of Manchester United's stature as an honor. "The Premier League is my inspiration and to face one of the top three or four biggest clubs in the world, it's a big honor," he said, recalling his first stadium visits in 2008 when such a prospect seemed unimaginable.